Jordan

Senn

The Panthers previously told Senn to explore other opportunities, but he didn’t get them on the open market. He’ll return as a special teams player.

Injuries to Thomas Davis and Omar Gaither forced Senn into the starting lineup for seven games last season. He responded with 71 tackles and three fumbles forced, but was too often washed out against the run and struggles mightily in coverage. Senn should find a home in 2012, but only as a special teamer.

Senn is severely undersized at 5'11" and 224 pounds, but he’s coming off 14 tackles, an interception and a forced fumble in the Week 15 win over the Texans. “I think he’s a very smart and talented young man,” Rivera said. “And I think he has a lot of football savvy and he’s a great athlete. ... If he continues to play like this it’s going to be hard to justify not having him on the field.”

Applewhite has a history with coach Ron Rivera in San Diego and can play both linebacker and end. Senn finished fourth on the team in tackles (73), but is severely undersized and not likely to command much attention on the open market.

Undersized Jordan Senn (5'11/224) will start in Gaither’s place. MLB Don Connor (shoulder) is a game-time call and the extremely favorable matchup for Indy’s run game gets even better with this news. It’s a mystery which back is going to lead the way for Indy at this time, but if reports can shed some light on the situation heading into game-time, owners should be ready to move. The Panthers are a sieve.

Senn was set for unrestricted free agency, but the Panthers’ special teams captain is returning for at least another season. Carolina credited him with 15 tackles on coverage units, and he played just four snaps on defense. Senn made $700,000 in 2012. He probably won’t make much more on his new deal.

Senn is one of the Panthers’ top special teamers. The quick rule out suggests he’s week to week.

Senn recorded seven tackles as primarily a special teams player for Carolina in 2013. Senn will run down kickoffs and punts in Chicago.

The move may indicate concern about MLB Gary Brackett’s status for Week 3 after Brackett went down with a left leg injury in Monday’s win over Miami. Coach Jim Caldwell would only say Wednesday that Brackett is “day to day.”

Senn was signed a couple of weeks ago when MLB Gary Brackett went down with a left leg injury. His release could be a sign that Brackett is ready to rejoin the lineup.